JONJO O’Neill’s stable stalwart Albertas Run is due to start his new campaign in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree on October 27 after his victory in the Liverpool race last year.

While injury prevented him from running again until the Cheltenham Festival in March, he yet again impressed, going down narrowly to Riverside Theatre in the Ryanair Chase.

If the 11-year-old from O’Neill’s Temple Guiting base stays sound, races like the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November may be on the agenda this term. Albertas Run could then be heading to Ascot, depending on ground conditions, before a potential return to Cheltenham in March.

Although facing a string of up-and-coming younger horses, he has struck up a fine partnership with top jockey Tony McCoy.